Clarksville

This city, incorporated in 1837, is the commercial center and seat of Red River County, one of Texas' original counties--all or part of 38 other counties were created from it. The oldest structures on the square date from 1885, and the area has a Victorian feel. The Red River County Historical Society owns two 19th-century homes and the Red River County Jail Museum, which are usually open during local events--call 903/427-2645.

The 1834 Col. Charles DeMorse Home,in the National Register of Historic Places, was the residence of Col. Charles DeMorse, known as as the "Father of Texas Journalism." DeMorse founded The Northern Standard and participated in the Civil War. The renovated exterior can be viewed at 115 E. Comanche St.one block north of town square.

Sam Houston Park on F.M. 410 has markers commemorating Jane Chandler Gill's grave, the oldest known Anglo grave in Texas; the site of Sam Houston's entry into Texas; and the town of Jonesboro, one of the first Anglo settlements in Texas. The area also is known as the eastern "Wild Turkey Capital of Texas."